Salahi says he’s running for Va. governor

The socialite who befuddled White House security in 2009 before having an epic falling-out with his now-estranged wife Michaele says he's running for governor of Virginia.

Tareq Salahi, who was sued by Attorney General Kenneth T. Cuccinelli earlier this week over his wine tour business, has contacted the state Board of Elections to determine the requirements to run for office.

The gossip website TMZ posted a purported declaration of candidacy from Mr. Salahi on its website, but Matt Abell with the Board of Elections said it wouldn't do much good at this point. Candidates cannot officially file until next year.

"I talked with him and his campaign manager … about the ballot access procedures in 2013," said Mr. Abell. "It's well before anything like it would need to be done."

Others who have declared candidacy include Mr. Cuccinelli and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, both Republicans. No Democrats have officially declared their candidacy, but former Democratic National Committee Chairman and energy efficient automobile entrepreneur Terry McAuliffe, who launched an unsuccessful bid for the job in 2009, and state Sen. J. Chapman Petersen, Fairfax, have both indicated interest.